NEW HOPE: Showcase the Arts slated Aug. 27-29

   For the first time in its nine-year history, Showcase the Arts, the annual celebration of the arts hosted by New Hope Arts, Inc., will promote on-location plein air artists, local art galleries, and a photographic tour.
   Showcase the Arts will run from Aug. 27-29. Most activities begin or end at the New Hope Arts Center, 2 Stockton Ave., New Hope.
   New Hope Arts encourages visitors to immerse themselves in art by taking a self-guided tour of plein air artists and local art galleries. A free map with locations and hours will highlight artists and galleries from New Hope, Lambertville and Stockton. The map can be downloaded from www.NewHopeArts.org, and also will be available as a brochure at the New Hope Arts Center and other locations in the area.
   Local freelance photographer Rick Gould, of Inside the Artists Studio and Naked in New Hope fame, will lead novice and advanced photographers on a two-hour walk along the Delaware and Raritan Canal from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. both days of the Showcase the Arts weekend. He will coach participants to take non-traditional views of New Hope. The fee for each day is $15 and participants must bring their own equipment and arrive at the New Hope Arts Center by 10:45 a.m. Register on-line at www.NewHopeArts.org.
   The Showcase the Arts weekend kicks off Friday from 7 – 9 p.m. with a gallery reception for photographer Bob Krist, creator of “New Hope: In Character,” a light-hearted photographic perspective. The weekend closes on Sunday from 6-9 p.m. with the Savor New Hope culinary event, featuring 18 restaurants and chefs.
   Showcase the Arts is partially sponsored by the First National Bank of Newtown and the Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau. For detailed information and tickets, visit www.NewHopeArts.org or call 215-862-9606.
   Proceeds from Showcase the Arts will fund New Hope Arts, Inc. programs.